The most typical combination therapy for psoriasis is something called PUVA. PUVA involves the use of a prescription medication called Psoralen and exposure to ultraviolet light A (UVA)—hence the initials PUVA. It is also called “photochemotherapy” because Psoralen functions similar to other types of chemotherapy used for cancer treatment. It is considered extremely effective and patients can remain clear of lesions for about three months. (Source: International Journal of Immunopathological Pharmacology, April-June 2008, pages 481-484.)
The drug Psoralen, which can be taken orally as a pill or applied topically to the skin, makes the skin more sensitive and receptive to UV radiation, which the entire body is exposed to. To avoid exposing the entire body to UV light the 308 nanometer excimer laser can be used. Either combination suppresses the growth of abnormal skin cells. The good news is that PUVA can eliminate or dramatically reduce psoriatic lesions for the majority of people who use it, and there is evidence it can provide extended remissions. The bad news is that Psoralen and UVA light are phototoxic and carcinogenic. (Sources: European Journal of Dermatology, January-February 2008, pages 55-60; and Journal of Dermatology, July 2007, pages 435-440.)
Getting rid of psoriasis can mean a lot, but putting your skin at risk for premature aging and some skin cancers may be trading one problem for another. This risk should be taken into consideration when considering this treatment. (Sources: Journal of Investigative Dermatology, March 2005, pages 505-513, and June 2002, pages 1038-1043; www. psoriasis. org; Biochemical Pharmacology, January 2002, pages 31-39; and Cutis, November 2001, pages 345-347.)